In a powerful message of hope and collective responsibility, a prominent Nigerian cleric has called on citizens not to lose faith in the nation despite prevailing economic hardships.
A Call for Hope and Personal Responsibility
Dr Janet Onaolapo, the General Overseer of the Abundant Life Gospel Church, delivered this charge during the church's fifth annual year-end programme. The event, known as Christmas Buzz and tagged 'Event of Joy', was held on 29 December 2025.
Addressing the congregation, Dr Onaolapo affirmed that Nigeria remains a great nation with immense potential. She urged Nigerians to shift their focus from what the country can do for them to what they can do for the nation. "We should continue to pray and think of what we can do for the nation, rather than what the nation can do for us," she stated.
The cleric emphasized that national transformation requires a change in values from every citizen, not just from the government. She pointed out that societal ills like theft and crime cannot be solely blamed on leadership failures.
Citizen and Government: A Two-Way Street
"The man on the street who is stealing, it's not the government who caused it. Someone committing a crime, is it the government?" Onaolapo questioned. She acknowledged that the government has its flaws but insisted that lasting change begins with the people. "If citizens change their lifestyles and we begin to pursue justice, equity, with the right attitude, our country will change for the better."
However, Dr Onaolapo also placed a significant onus on the authorities. She called on governments at all levels to rule with justice, equity, and righteousness, keeping the love of the citizens at the core of their governance. "They should perform their responsibilities – provide necessary infrastructure, necessary amenities and make the country conducive for the citizens," she advised.
She framed the path to a better Nigeria as a partnership, using the popular adage: "If they do their part and the citizens do their part, the country will be better because it takes two to tango."
Celebrating the Core of Christmas
Reflecting on the essence of the Christmas Buzz programme, now in its fifth year, Dr Onaolapo said it was designed to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. She described His birth as "good tidings and great joy to all men," highlighting the spiritual rescue and hope it represents. "A saviour came to rescue us from sin, from torment," she reminded the audience.
Her message ultimately wove together spiritual hope with practical civic duty, presenting a dual formula for navigating the current economic crunch bedevilling the country: unwavering faith coupled with proactive personal and governmental responsibility.
